1. Archetypal characters in folklore/Արխետիպային կերպարները բանահյուսության մեջ
2. Dystopian novels/ Դիստոպյան վեպեր
3. The reflection of property rights in literature/ Սեփականության իրավունքի արտացոլումը գրականության մեջ
4. Why is it important to be an international student? /Ինչու՞ է կարևոր միջազգային ուսանող լինելը
5. Democracy/Ժողովրդավարություն
6. Women’s rights: discrimination and fight against it/ Կանանց իրավունքներ. խտրականություն և դրա դեմ պայքար
7. Crime and punishment/Հանցանք և պատիժ
8. Corruption and fight against it/ Կոռուպցիան և հակակոռուպցիոն պայքարը
9. Double standards /Երկակի ստանդարտներ
10. The benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence /Արհեստական բանականության առավելություններն ու մարտահրավերները
11. The role of science and technology in national development/Գիտության և տեխնոլոգիայի դերը երկրի զարգացման գործում
12. Modernism and contemporary art/Մոդեռնիզմ և ժամանակակից արվեստ
13. Twentieth-Century American Art /20-րդ դարի ամերիկյան արվեստ
14. Mental health/Հոգեկան առողջություն
15. Social media’s impact on interpersonal relationships and social movements – Սոցիալական մեդիայի ազդեցությունը միջանձնային հարաբերություններում և սոցիալական շարժումներում
Topics with annotations
1. Archetypal Characters in Folklore
Archetypal characters are universal figures that appear across various cultures and stories, embodying certain traits and functions. These characters often represent fundamental human experiences and emotions, making them instantly recognizable and relatable. In folklore, archetypal characters serve to convey moral lessons, cultural values, and societal norms. Here are a few key examples:
- The Hero: Often depicted as brave and honorable, the hero embarks on a journey or quest to achieve a significant goal. Examples include King Arthur and Hercules.
- The Villain: This character represents evil and opposition to the hero. Villains create conflict and challenge the hero, such as the witch in “Hansel and Gretel” or the Big Bad Wolf in “Little Red Riding Hood.”
- The Mentor: A wise and experienced figure who guides and supports the hero, like Merlin in Arthurian legend or Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings.”
- The Trickster: Known for their cunning and wit, tricksters often challenge the status quo and outsmart others. Examples include Anansi the Spider from African folklore and Loki from Norse mythology.
- The Damsel in Distress: This character often needs rescue by the hero, symbolizing vulnerability and the need for protection. Classic examples include Rapunzel and Snow White.
- The Fairy Godmother: A benevolent figure who provides magical assistance or guidance to the protagonist. Fairy godmothers are common in tales like “Cinderella.”
These archetypal characters serve as familiar templates that help readers and listeners understand the narrative structure and underlying themes of folklore. By studying these characters, students can gain insights into human psychology, cultural heritage, and the shared storytelling traditions that connect societies worldwide.
2. Dystopian novels
Dystopian novels are a popular genre among high school students, offering rich narratives that explore complex social, political, and ethical issues through futuristic or alternate realities. Notable works in this genre include:
- “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley (1932): This novel presents a society where happiness is manufactured and individuality is suppressed. It explores themes of technological control, consumerism, and the loss of personal freedom.
- “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury (1953): Set in a future where books are banned and “firemen” burn any that are found, Bradbury’s novel is a critique of censorship and the consequences of a society that shuns intellectualism and critical thinking.
- “Animal Farm” by George Orwell (1945): Through the allegory of a farm where animals overthrow their human owner, Orwell examines the corrupting influence of power and the cyclical nature of tyranny, reflecting on the events of the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism.
- “1984” by George Orwell (1949): This classic dystopian novel portrays a totalitarian regime where surveillance and propaganda are used to maintain control over the populace. Themes of language manipulation, historical revisionism, and perpetual war are central to the narrative.
- “The Circle” by Dave Eggers (2013): A modern addition to the dystopian canon, this novel delves into the implications of digital surveillance and the erosion of privacy in the age of social media and technology corporations.
- “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss (1971): Though often categorized as a children’s book, this story serves as a powerful environmental parable about the dangers of corporate greed and the destruction of nature. Its dystopian elements are reflected in the desolate world left behind after the Once-ler’s exploitation.
- “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood (1985): Set in a theocratic society where women are stripped of their rights, Atwood’s novel explores themes of gender oppression, religious extremism, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of dehumanizing conditions.
These novels offer high school students a means to engage with critical social issues, encouraging them to reflect on the nature of power, freedom, and the human condition in both fictional and real-world contexts.
3. The Reflection of Property Rights in Literature
Property rights have been a recurring theme in literature, particularly in works that explore the social and economic constraints faced by women. In Jane Austen’s novels such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, the inheritance laws and societal norms of early 19th century England often place women in precarious positions. For instance, the Bennet sisters in Pride and Prejudice are at risk of losing their home due to the entailment of the family estate to a male heir. This reflects the limited property rights of women and the societal pressure to marry for financial security.
Similarly, in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Adventure of the Speckled Band”, “The Adventure of the Copper Beeches” and Agatha Christie’s short stories, the theme of property rights often emerges in the context of crime and mystery. Women characters frequently suffer due to inheritance disputes or fraudulent schemes targeting their assets. These narratives highlight the vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society where their financial independence is undermined by legal and social structures.
Overall, the portrayal of property rights in these literary works underscores the historical challenges women faced in securing economic stability and autonomy. Through their stories, these authors critique the inequities of their times and advocate for a more just society.
4. Why is it important to be an international student?
International students have become an integral part of educational institutions around the world, bringing diverse perspectives and enriching the academic environment. As the world becomes more interconnected, the presence of international students brings a valuable dimension to the fields of different disciplines. Their experiences highlight the challenges they face, the benefits they gain, and the profound impact of cultural interactions. By addressing these aspects, educational institutions can create a more inclusive and enriching environment for both local and international students alike and underscore the importance of fostering global awareness and empathy through education.
The global landscape of international students: trends in international student mobility, factors influencing choice of study abroad, demographic diversity among international students.
What are the challenges and benefits of being an international student? Challenges faced by international students: language barrier and academic performance, cultural adjustment and homesickness, navigating education systems and administrative processes. Benefits of studying abroad: exposure to diverse perspectives, comparative study of societal structures, enhanced critical thinking, and analytical skills. Cultural interactions and their impact: building international friendships, bridging cultural and philosophical differences, fostering global citizenship and tolerance. The role of support mechanisms: school initiatives for international students, the importance of host family relationships, the role of cultural exchange programs. Identity and belonging: balancing cultural roots and academic pursuits, navigating multiple cultural identities, integration of cultural heritage with academic studies, impact on future academic and career choices. Case studies: success stories and lessons learned, stories of academic achievement, overcoming cultural and academic challenges, insights and recommendations from international students. Ethical considerations in studying international students: ensuring ethical treatment and inclusion, avoiding stereotypes and cultural assumptions, respecting privacy and consent in research.
How does being an international student benefit lifelong education? US Exchange projects for people of different ages:
The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program,
the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)
the Fulbright Foreign Student Program,
the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program,
the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship,
the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP),
The Work and Travel USA program,
the Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program
5. Democracy
Democracy: Benefits and Challenges
Democracy, characterized by the principle of rule by the people, offers several significant benefits to a nation. A democratic system ensures that citizens have a voice in governance through free and fair elections. This inclusivity fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among the populace, enhancing civic participation and engagement. Additionally, democracies tend to protect individual freedoms and human rights, as enshrined in their constitutions and laws. The rule of law, transparency, and accountability are hallmarks of democratic governance, which can lead to more effective and just administration.
However, democracy also presents several challenges. Ensuring equitable participation and preventing voter disenfranchisement are persistent issues. The influence of money in politics can undermine the democratic process, leading to unequal representation. Furthermore, achieving consensus in a diverse society can be difficult, sometimes resulting in political gridlock and inefficiency. Populism and the spread of misinformation pose additional threats, potentially destabilizing democratic institutions.
Measuring Democracy: Indexes
To assess the health and quality of democracies, several indexes provide valuable insights. The Freedom House Nations in Transit index evaluates the progress of democratic governance in post-communist countries, focusing on areas such as electoral process, civil society, independent media, and corruption. It offers a nuanced view of the strengths and weaknesses of democratic institutions in these nations.
Another important measure is the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index, which assesses countries based on criteria such as electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, the functioning of government, political participation, and political culture. This index categorizes countries into full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid regimes, and authoritarian regimes, providing a comprehensive overview of global democratic trends.
The Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Project offers an even more granular analysis, with over 350 indicators capturing various dimensions of democracy, including electoral integrity, executive constraints, and freedom of expression. This detailed approach allows for a thorough understanding of the multifaceted nature of democratic governance.
In conclusion, while democracy provides numerous benefits such as increased citizen participation and protection of rights, it also faces significant challenges that require continuous effort to address. Indexes like Freedom House Nations in Transit, the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index, and the V-Dem Project are crucial tools in evaluating and improving democratic systems worldwide.
6. Women’s Rights: Discrimination and the Fight Against It
The struggle for women’s rights has been a long and ongoing journey, marked by significant milestones and persistent challenges. Key areas of focus include the right to vote, equal pay for equal work, access to education, property rights, and issues related to sex and reproductive health.
Women’s Right to Vote: The suffrage movement was a pivotal part of the fight for women’s rights. In many countries, women were denied the right to vote well into the 20th century. The tireless efforts of suffragettes, such as those in the United States and the United Kingdom, eventually led to the granting of voting rights, symbolizing a crucial step toward gender equality.
Equal Pay and Equal Work: Despite progress, the gender pay gap remains a significant issue. Women often earn less than men for performing the same work, reflecting broader systemic discrimination. Advocacy for equal pay has been a major aspect of the women’s rights movement, aiming to ensure that women receive fair compensation and opportunities for career advancement.
Education: Access to education is fundamental to empowering women and achieving gender equality. Historically, women and girls have faced barriers to education, but movements advocating for girls’ education have made strides in ensuring that females have the same educational opportunities as males. Educating women not only benefits individuals but also contributes to societal progress.
Property Rights: Women’s property rights have been restricted in many cultures and legal systems. Advocacy efforts have focused on ensuring that women can own, inherit, and control property independently, which is crucial for their economic independence and security.
Sexual and Reproductive Rights: Women’s rights also encompass the ability to make decisions about their own bodies, including access to contraception and safe abortion services. These rights are essential for women’s health and autonomy, yet they remain contentious and under threat in various regions.
Overall, the fight against discrimination and for women’s rights continues to evolve, addressing both long-standing and emerging issues. Activists and organizations worldwide work tirelessly to dismantle systemic barriers and achieve true gender equality.
7. Crime and Punishment
Understanding the Dynamics
Crime and punishment are fundamental concepts in any society, addressing the actions that break laws and the consequences that follow. Understanding these concepts helps students appreciate the importance of laws and the justice system in maintaining social order and protecting citizens.
Crime: Causes and Impact
Crimes range from minor offenses like theft to severe crimes such as murder. The causes of crime are complex and multifaceted, often involving socioeconomic factors, such as poverty, lack of education, and unemployment. Additionally, social influences like peer pressure, family dynamics, and community environment play significant roles. The impact of crime is extensive, affecting victims, communities, and even perpetrators, leading to a sense of fear, loss, and sometimes, societal division.
Punishment: Purpose and Types
Punishment serves several purposes in the justice system: deterrence, retribution, rehabilitation, and protection. Deterrence aims to discourage individuals from committing crimes, while retribution ensures that offenders face consequences proportional to their actions. Rehabilitation focuses on reforming offenders, and helping them reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens. Protection ensures the safety of the community by removing dangerous individuals from society.
There are various forms of punishment, including fines, community service, probation, and imprisonment. In some jurisdictions, more severe crimes might result in the death penalty. The appropriateness and effectiveness of these punishments are often subjects of debate, with considerations of human rights, ethics, and the potential for rehabilitation playing crucial roles.
Balancing Justice and Fairness
An effective justice system aims to balance the scales of justice and fairness, ensuring that punishments fit the crimes and that all individuals are treated equally under the law. However, challenges persist, such as addressing biases in the justice system, ensuring fair trials, and providing adequate support for rehabilitation.
The number of crimes officially recorded in Armenia soared by more than 24 percent in 2022. With the new legislation regulating the criminal sphere, the functions of the probation service have almost doubled, due to the execution of new punishments by the service, as well as the use of new preventive measures. The Probation Service carries out its work in the city of Yerevan, in 27 regional offices and in one vocational training center (Ararat city).
Conclusion
Understanding crime and punishment is essential for appreciating the role of the justice system in maintaining order and protecting society. It highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of crime and ensuring that the justice system is fair and effective in its approach to punishment. As students delve into these topics, they gain a deeper insight into the complexities of law, justice, and societal safety.
Criminal Justice in Armenia in 2024
8. Corruption and fight against it
What is corruption? Forms of corruption: Transparency International’s (TI) definitions. Effective anti-corruption policy directions – corruption prevention, detection, punishment of the corruption of public officials, and public support and education. Corruption measurement: TI Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), TI Global Corruption Barometer (GCB). Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Strategies and Anti-Corruption commitments under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), Anti-corruption Reforms in Armenia: Pilot 5th Round of Monitoring of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Anti-corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (OECD/ACN) Istanbul Anti-Corruption Action Plan, Open Government Partnership (OGP), etc., specialized departments created in Armenia to focus on corruption and corruption crimes: Corruption Prevention Commission (CPC), Anti-Corruption Committee (ACC), Anti-corruption Court, Department for the Confiscation of Property of Illegal Origin under the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Financial Monitoring Center (FMC)-Armenia’s Financial Intelligence Unit in the Central Bank of Armenia, the Armenian Audit Chamber (ARMSAI) -Armenia’s supreme audit institution
Photo capture: UNCAC from the TIAC FB page: UNCAC covers 5 areas -preventive measures, criminalization and law enforcement, international cooperation, asset recovery, technical assistance and information exchange
9. Double standards
Double standards refer to the application of different sets of principles for similar situations. They often result in unfair treatment or biased judgment, favoring one group over another under comparable conditions.
Areas of Focus:
- Politics:
- Domestic Politics: Investigate how double standards might be evident in the enforcement of laws, political campaigns, or media coverage of different political parties or candidates.
- International Relations: Examine how countries may be treated differently based on political alliances, economic power, or strategic interests. Examples include trade agreements, diplomatic responses to human rights abuses, and military interventions.
- Media and Entertainment:
- Eurovision 2024: Analyze instances where double standards may have been evident in the judging, voting, or media coverage of the event. Consider factors like nationality, political context, or media bias in your analysis.
- Hollywood and Other Entertainment Industries: Study how double standards affect representation, casting decisions, and award recognitions based on gender, race, or other attributes.
- Social and Cultural Norms:
- Gender Inequality: Look into how double standards affect men and women differently in areas such as workplace expectations, dress codes, and societal roles.
- Racial Disparities: Explore the double standards in law enforcement, educational opportunities, and social mobility based on race or ethnicity.
Methodology:
- Literature Review: Start by reviewing existing research and articles on double standards in the identified areas.
- Case Studies: Conduct in-depth analyses of specific instances where double standards are evident. This can include political scandals, media coverage of Eurovision 2024, and other relevant examples.
- Surveys and Interviews: Gather primary data through surveys and interviews to understand public perception and personal experiences related to double standards.
- Comparative Analysis: Compare different instances to identify patterns and common factors that contribute to the existence of double standards.
Expected Outcomes:
- A comprehensive understanding of how double standards operate in different areas of society.
- Insights into the consequences of double standards for individuals and groups.
- Recommendations for addressing and mitigating double standards to promote fairness and equality.
Relevance: Understanding double standards is crucial for recognizing and addressing inequalities in society. This research aims to shed light on how biases affect various sectors, encouraging more equitable treatment and policies.
By examining both high-profile cases like Eurovision 2024 and everyday examples, students will develop critical thinking skills and a deeper awareness of the complexities surrounding fairness and justice in society.
Eurovision 2024: Efforts for Israel boycott peak amidst double standards
1o. The benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence
Could a machine ever think? What role do these popular tools play for millions of users worldwide:
Searle’s Chinese Room theory of AI,
Deep Blue (IBM supercomputer),
Sophia (the Hong Kong-based Hanson Robotics’ social humanoid robot),
Alexa (Amazon’s virtual assistant),
Gemini (Google’s virtual assistant),
Siri (Apple’s virtual assistant),
Cortana (Microsoft‘s virtual assistant for several Windows platforms),
Bixby (Samsung’s AI),
Alice (Yandex’s AI Assistant),
ChatGPT (OpenAI’s AI chatbot)?
Putting AI into good use can be beneficial. For instance, human-machine collaboration. Drones with AI are used in the military. They monitor border regions, identify threats, and notify response teams. In addition, they can improve the security of military bases and the safety of soldiers during combat.
However, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), commonly known as drones, can be destructive and dehumanizing when they find, fix, track, and kill targets with precise strikes far beyond the front lines, causing Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thus, machines may set loose to slaughter, bringing the dangerous rise of military AI.
11. The role of science and technology in national development
Science plays a crucial role in society’s technological advances and in overcoming existential challenges. As we strive to address pressing societal issues, we are witnessing an unprecedented pace of discovery and innovation developed through scientific advances from all around the world. Highlighting key technological advancements that transformed societies: artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space exploration. Exploring how technological innovation drives economic development: a case study of countries that experienced economic growth through technology-driven sectors. Education and human capital: examining the role of science and technology in improving education quality, discussing the impact of skilled human capital on a nation’s progress. Investigating how scientific discoveries and medical technologies impact healthcare. Environmental sustainability: examining the dual role of science and technology in environmental protection and exploitation, discussing the balance between economic growth and ecological impact. Discussing the responsible use of technology and potential negative consequences: global collaboration and diplomacy, exploring how science and technology foster international collaboration. Analyzing the role of governments in promoting science and technology: discussing policies that encourage research, innovation, and technology transfer; inclusive development.
What is the state of scientific research in Armenia and what is needed to significantly develop and boost research activity in the country?
12. Modernism and contemporary art
Modernism is a philosophical movement that, along with cultural trends and changes, arose from enormous transformations in Western society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among the factors that shaped modernism were the development of modern industrial societies and the rapid growth of cities, followed by the horror of World War I.
Modernism in Literature: (writers) T.S. Eliot, Virginia Woolf, Marcel Proust, the American expatriate Gertrude Stein, James Joyce whose Ulysses in 1922 was a landmark event in the development of Modernist literature, etc.
Modernism in Music: Composers, including Arnold Schoenberg, Igor Stravinsky, and Anton Webern, sought new solutions within new forms and approaches to tonality. Schoenberg was the pioneer when he discarded traditional harmonic concepts of consonance and dissonance, leading to the development of atonality and the 12-tone technique.
Modernism in Architecture: International Style architects Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in Germany and the United States, Le Corbusier in France, Richard Neutra and Philip Johnson in the United States.
Modernism in Art (the most famous movements and styles): Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Suprematism, Avant-garde, Dada, Neo-Dada, Realism, Surrealism, Cubism, Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Minimalism, Conceptual Art, Constructivism, Futurism, Feminist Art, etc.
What is contemporary art? How does it express the aspirations to change the current reality? Why is it able to become a means of understanding today’s world? Is it breaking with the past and at the same time searching for new forms of expression?
13. Twentieth-Century American Art
Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Julian Schnabel, and Laurie Anderson are just some of the major American artists of the twentieth century. From the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair to the 2000 Whitney Biennial, a rapid succession of art movements and different styles reflected the extreme changes in American culture and society, as well as America’s position within the international art world.
This exciting new look at twentieth-century American art explores the relationships between American art, museums, and audiences in the century that came to be called the “American century.” Extending beyond New York, it covers
the emergence of Feminist art in Los Angeles in the 1970s;
the Black art movement;
the expansion of galleries and art schools; and
the highly political public controversies surrounding arts funding.
All the key movements are fully discussed, including
early American Modernism,
the New Negro movement,
Regionalism,
Abstract Expressionism,
Pop Art, and
Neo-Expressionism.
14. Mental health
What is mental health and why is mental health awareness important? Why is it significant in overall well-being and what are the growing concerns about mental health issues in the youth population?
most of the young people who experience mental health problems do not receive the necessary care or treatment? The importance of raising public awareness of mental health, the development of effective mental health services at the community level, the reduction of stigma, the collection of accurate data, as well as the pushing the reforms in mental health services promoting human rights and gender equality, Establishment of Mental Health Armenian Association (Founding meeting, February 23, 2023). The absence of legislation on preventative measures for mental health in Armenia and other problems in the mental health sector stemming from this.
Photo: Mental Health Armenian Association’s goals
15. Social media’s impact on interpersonal relationships and social movements
What is the background of social media’s rise? Why is it important to study the effects of social media? How has social media changed communication patterns?
Effects on interpersonal relationships: impact on friendships and family relationships; the role of social media in maintaining long-distance relationships.
Cyberbullying and mental health: exploring instances of cyberbullying and their consequences, the link between excessive social media use and mental health issues.
Privacy and identity: discussion on the trade-off between sharing and privacy, how social media shapes one’s online and offline identity.
The role of social media in social movements: analyzing the use of social media in driving social and political change, case studies of successful social media-driven movements.
Ethical considerations: ethical implications of data sharing and targeted advertising, the responsibility of platforms in regulating content.
Նունե Այդինյան 